by Chris Johns |
Updated:
September 18, 2021
Flat top grills are one of our favorite types of outdoor barbecue equipment. It provides the enjoyment of cooking outdoors with a stovetop grill’s versatility.
Also known as a gas griddle, hibachi, or teppanyaki, flat top grills have large flat cooking surfaces that are great for backyard parties, camping, and other outdoor events.
Who doesn’t enjoy making a plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, burgers, fried rice, or fajitas in the great outdoors? And if you have a grill and griddle combo, you can even barbecue and grill at the same time!
Table of Contents
The Top 10 Best Flat Top Grills in 2021
Here is our list of the best flat top grill models available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. We start with the top 5 overall choices, then go into the reviews and options for different needs.
1. Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Grill – Best Overall Choice #1
The Blackstone 36 Flat Top Gas Grill is one of the most popular griddles available, and for a good reason: this thing is a rock star.
First of all, this griddle is huge, with 720 square inches of cooking area, which is plenty for a large family or backyard party.
It has 4 independently controlled 15,000 BTU stainless steel burners that generate 60,000 BTUs of heat. This flattop grill also has two shelves built into the sides and a bottom shelf for food preparation and storage.
It’s a commercial-grade griddle, which means it’s built well and it’s built to last. If you take care of this unit, including using a grill cover, this griddle can last for a decade or more.
- NEW FEATURES - This unit comes equipped with Blackstone's new and improved side shelf giving the user a removable cutting...
- RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - With 720sq inches of flat top grilling, this griddle is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner....
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look back! This grill is simple...
2. Blackstone 1984 Original 36-Inch Heavy Duty Flat Top Griddle Grill Station – Best Overall Choice #2
The Blackstone Original 36″ Large Griddle Station is one of the best flat top grill models on this list, and one of my personal favorites. It’s like having a fully functional outdoor kitchen in your backyard.
It’s got an enormous 768 square inch cooking surface that provides ample space to cook for a large party or other outdoor gatherings. The two side stands serve as excellent outdoor prep tables for holding your food ingredients or your beer(s).
The four burners put out a powerful 60,000 BTUs of heat which gets distributed really well across the griddle surface.
The Blackstone Original 36″ Large Griddle Station is pretty easy to assemble, heats up quickly, and comes with Blackstone’s innovative grease management system.
If you have a little extra in the budget, this is an excellent premium flat top grill choice.
- BE THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER with Blackstone Original 36" Large Griddle Station. It is large enough to handle most meals and...
- KEEP YOUR COOKING AREA ORGANIZED: Our camp stove griddle features two prep stations to dice veggies and season your burger...
- A MUST-HAVE FOR BIG BATCH COOKING: Boasting an extra-large cooking surface of 768 in2, our flat griddle works great when...
3. Blackstone 28 Inch Grill Griddle Station
The restaurant-grade Blackstone 28 Inch Grill Griddle Station is a smaller, portable flat top grill with 470 square inches of grill surface.
It has 2 stainless steel burners that produce 15,000 BTUs of heat each for a total of 30,000 BTUs of cooking power.
The battery-operated push-button ignition on this gas grill allows you to start cooking quickly and easily without wasting time waiting for charcoal briquettes to get hot.
What I like best about this flat top grills model is its portability. Four industrial-strength caster wheels allow for easy movement from any location and make it easy to wheel around the backyard or to a campsite.
The Blackstone 28 Inch Grill Griddle Station is a great tabletop grill choice for someone looking for a large yet easily portable grill.
- RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - With 470sq inches of flat top grilling, This griddle is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner....
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look back! This grill is simple...
- TRANSPORT WITH EASE - Easily wheel Around your yard or transport from your backyard to the campsite thanks to the removable...
4. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
With 604 square inches of griddle area and 501 square inches of grill surface, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill is a beautiful monster.
It packs enough space for any large outdoor event like backyard parties, camping, or even business events. It’s estimated that you can produce over 100 dishes an hour with the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill.
It includes two large folding side shelves, two roller wheels, and micro-adjust griddle levelers, which allow it to be easily transported anywhere you want to go.
It’s super easy to clean. The cast-iron surface includes a grease management system that collects drippings for easy clean-up. It also has a grease tray and catch bucket that allows you to cook for hours without the hassle of cleaning up.
The best part about the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill (besides how big it is) is how versatile it is. This interchangeable flat top griddle has a griddle top that can be easily removed, exposing the flat surface grill feature. No longer do you have to compromise if you want a grill or a griddle; it does both!
Finally, since this product is from Camp Chef, the grilling company known for its high-quality grills, you can expect it to last a very long time. It’s one of the best flat top grills on this list.
- Includes flat top griddle & grill grate, True Seasoned Surface, non-stick & ready to cook
- Grease management system for easy clean up, Grease tray, catch bucket, and micro adjust griddle levelers
- Four 12,000 BTUs/Hr. stainless steel Burners, Matchless ignition system
5. Royal Gourmet GB4000 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
If you like to have outdoor barbecue parties, the Royal Gourmet GB4000 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle is a great space-saving grill that comes with plenty of features you need.
It has an electric igniter and four 13,000 BTU burners that produce a tremendous 52,000 BTUs of cooking power. The 744 square inches of pre-seasoned grill surface provides enough cooking area for a large group or family.
This 4-burner gas grill comes with a grease management system that allows you to enjoy the cooking experience without constantly emptying the drip tray.
Finally, the GB4000 also comes with two foldable side shelves, a built-in towel rack, and a lower storage shelf that helps provide lots of area to prep your food.
With so many great features, and the ability to cook food two ways, the Royal Gourmet GB4000 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle could be the best flat top grill models you can have in your backyard party arsenal.
- SPACIOUS COOKING SURFACE: 36. 2" L x 21. 7" W, 784 square inches cooking area in total with enhanced gloss ceramic coated...
- POWERFUL HEATING SYSTEM: 4 independently controlled stainless-steel tube burners with 13, 000 BTUs each, 52, 000 BTUs cooking...
- QUICK START-UP: Durable stainless-steel control panel with electronic ignition system that offers a reliable spark at every...
6. Cuisinart CGG-888 22-Inch Round Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle
The Cuisinart CGG-888 22-Inch Round Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle is a cool small flat top grill with a unique 360-degree cooking surface. The round, cold-rolled steel cooking surface allows grease to funnel to the grease cup for super easy clean-up naturally.
It has two independently controlled burners that provide a total of 30,000 BTUs, which allows you to control hot and cool areas on your gas grill surface separately.
It even comes with a handy fold-away side prep table with an integrated paper towel holder, making it easy to keep the prep area clean. A vented cover lets you steam, fry, smoke, roast, or keep foods warm.
- HEAT CONTROL: Two independently controlled burners provide a total of 30, 000 BTUs and allow you to control hot and cool...
- GREASE MANAGEMENT: The over-sized 360 degree grease pan naturally funnels grease to the grease cup for easy clean up.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: The stainless steel lid with vent allows you to roast, steam, bake or smoke.
7. Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
If you can’t decide whether you want a flat top griddle or a traditional barbecue, the Royal Gourmet Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo is the perfect model for you.
The dual cooking surfaces provide you with 584 square inches of cooking space with four different cooking zones. Each zone can independently control the 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners (with a combined total of 48,000 BTUs).
The two side tables provide you with plenty of space to prep your meals, while the tool hooks conveniently hold your grilling accessories.
With all the great features of a grill and a griddle, this model can satisfy any barbecue enthusiast’s needs. It’s one of the best flat top grills on this list.
- Combo Design: Combination of gas grill and griddle with two individual cooking zones, each has 292 sq. inches for cooking,...
- Portable: Easy to assemble within 15 minutes. With fold-down legs for compact storage and four locking casters for...
- Automatic Ignition System: Automatic ignition system delivers fast and easy start-up with four big knobs on the...
8. Blackstone 1819 Griddle and Charcoal Combo
If you’re looking for a durable charcoal and gas grill combo model that will last a long time, the Blackstone 1819 Griddle and Charcoal Combo is the right choice for you.
It has a powder-coated black steel frame, stainless steel burners, and a thick cold-rolled steel cooktop. It’s made with the high-quality standards that Blackstone is known for.
This charcoal flat top griddle uses propane only on the griddle side with 12,000 BTUs of heat. The grill side uses charcoal briquettes as its heat source.
It has an adjustable height grill surface, which helps you control the amount of heat provided by the charcoal briquettes.
This Blackstone grill is perfect for the serious grilling enthusiast and a great price for a 2-in-1 flat top grills model.
- Duo Griddle: Charcoal Grill and Burner griddle. Grill Grate Dimensions 16” 15.75”. Griddle Dimensions 17” x 15.7
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look back! This grill is simple...
- TRANSPORT WITH EASE - Easily wheel around your yard or transport from your backyard to the campsite thanks to the removable...
9. Blackstone 17 Inch Gas Grill
If you’re looking for the best propane griddle for camping or tailgating, the Blackstone 17 Inch Gas Grill is an excellent choice. It’s simple to set up and compact enough to carry anywhere easily.
It’s a beautifully designed model with 260 square inches of grill surface that provides plenty of cooking space.
The stainless steel “H” style burners have the ability to get really hot in a short amount of time at a heat level of 12,000 BTUs.
It’s super easy to clean. The non-stick surface on this camping BBQ grill helps prevent food from sticking to the grill surface. All you are required to do is wipe the surface with a paper towel, and you are ready to go.
It runs off a 1 pound propane bottle, which provides about 2 hours of use, but can be hooked up to a 20 pound propane tank with an optional tank adapter hose.
With its portable design, you can easily take the Blackstone 17 Inch Gas Grill on a camping trip, tailgating, or use it anywhere in your backyard.
- Convenient and portable - this portable grill is built with an easy to use electric igniter, uses convenient 1 pound propane...
- Easy to store - simply store the griddle top upside down on top of the griddle body After use to save space
- No hassle cleanup - Blackstone makes cleanup a breeze with this table top gas Griddle; simply wipe it off with a paper towel....
10. Happybuy Double Burner Flat Top Griddle
Coming in at around $200, the Happybuy Double Burner Flat Top Griddle is the best price flat top grill (non-tabletop) on our list.
It has 544 square inches of cooking space, providing plenty of room to cook a meal for six to eight people.
What I like best about this griddle is the amount of heat it produces: 150,000 BTUs! This allows you to cook just about any food quickly.
The portable side handles and detachable legs make it easy to pick up, transport, and store.
Overall, this is a great outdoor flat top griddle that won’t break the bank. It’s one of the best flat top grills available.
- Stainless Steel Grill: The stainless pro grill griddle is composed of stainless steel flat top griddle grill, high-quality...
- Burners With Detachable Legs: This flat top stainless steel grill griddle is equipped with 2 adjustable premium burners with...
- Large Cooking Surface: The 32''x17'' flat top griddle grill with smooth surface provides a large and convenient cooking area....
Cleaning a flat top grill
A flat-top grill is an incredible piece of equipment that needs to be cleaned regularly for optimal performance. Some sign that your flat top grill needs to be cleaned include:
- You can taste the flavors transferring between foods
- The food begins to stick to the griddle
- Excessive grease buildup on the surface of the griddle
- Burnt oil flakes ending up in your food
If you’re getting any of these indicators, it’s time to clean your flat top grill.
Supplies you’ll need for cleaning a flat top grill
You’ll need to purchase some particular cleaning supplies to clean your flat top grill. Here is a list to get you started:
- Griddle scraper
- Griddle scrub brush
- Griddle pad holder
- Griddle scrub pad
- Grill screen
- Vegetable oil (needs to be a high smoke point oil)
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Cloth
- Warm water (Don’t use cold water or ice, as flat top grills can warp or crack from thermal shock)
How to clean a flat top grill
Once you have all your flat top grill cleaning supplies, here are the steps to actually clean it:
- Step 1. While the flat top grill is hot, scrape the griddle surface clean of any built-up food debris or grease.
- Step 2. Pour warm water (NOT COLD) on the griddle surface to boil away any built-up grease. Be very careful not to get burned by the steam it will generate.
- Step 3. Place the griddle screen and scrub pad on top of each other and then place them down onto the griddle surface.
- Step 4. With the pad holder, press down firmly onto the griddle pad and screen.
- Step 5. Scrub the entire surface of the flat top grill.
- Step 6. Rinse the griddle surface and wipe it clean.
How to season a flat top grill
Just as important as cleaning a flat top grill regularly, you must season it properly after cleaning.
“Seasoning” refers to the procedure of baking oil onto the flat top grill surface. The baked oil helps make the griddle surface more non-stick, scratch-resistant, adds flavor to your foods and improves overall durability.
Here are the steps for seasoning a flat top grill:
- Step 1. Heat the grill surface to about 350°F, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Once it reaches the proper temperature, turn the grill off and let it cool down to a warm temperature.
- Step 2. Pour on some high smoking point vegetable oil. Do NOT use corn oil as it has a lot of sugar in it and may cause the oil to burn onto the griddle’s surface.
- Step 3. While the griddle surface is still slightly warm, spread around the oil using a cloth.
- Step 4. Turn the heat back on and let it get up to 350°F again.
- Step 5. Heat the oil until it begins to smoke a little. At that point, turn the griddle off and allow it to cool.
- Step 6. After the griddle is cool, wipe up any excess oil residue.
Here is a helpful video to help you learn how to clean and season a flattop grill:
What is the best flat top grill for you?
Out of all the flat top grill reviews we’ve covered here, how do you decide which is the best flat top grill for you?
That’s easy: Choose the model you can see yourself using the most.
Consider your preferred barbecuing style:
- Do you like to grill food but want more options? A grill and griddle combo may be the best choice for you.
- Do you like to travel a lot and want to bring your griddle with you? A portable flat top grill may be the right call.
If you’re investing hundreds of dollars on a new flat-top grill, you want to be sure it gets LOTS of usages. So pick one with the options you really need, even if it costs a little more.
If you’re having trouble deciding, go with the best overall choice: The Blackstone 36 Flat Top Gas Grill. With the features you get for this model’s price, you can hardly go wrong.
Happy grilling!
Related content you might like:
- 15 Best Tabletop Grills for 2021
- 15 Best Infrared Grills for 2021
- 11 Best Built-In Gas Grills for 2021
- 10 Best Natural Gas Grills for 2021
- 15 Best Stainless Steel Gas Grills for 2021
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